Dose response relationship between breast cancer and somatotypes during childhood: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between breast cancer and somatotypes during early life by meta-analysis and give the corresponding advice. METHODS: Observational studies till April 5, 2021, which explore women with/without breast cancer who used the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale/Sørensen Somatotypes to evaluate their somatotype before 18 years of age and distant breast cancer risk were included. Using random/fixed-effect models, the pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Then a nonlinear dose-response meta-analysis was conducted using restricted cubic spline analysis. RESULTS: Six articles involving 15,211 breast cancer patients from 341,905 individuals were included for performing a meta-analysis of early somatotype and breast cancer risk. The pooled results showed that the protection became stronger with the increase of somatotype until it reached 6. The restricted cubic spline model indicated a linear relationship between somatotypes and breast cancer (P-nonlinearity = 0.533). Subgroup analysis of menopausal status showed that increasing somatotype during childhood was increasingly protective against postmenopausal breast cancer from somatotype 3 to somatotype 6, with a 0.887-fold (RR = 0.887, 95% CI: 0.842, 0.934) to 0.759-fold (RR = 0.759, 95% CI: 0.631, 0.913) decreased risk of breast cancer (P-nonlinearity = 0.880), but this association was not found in the population with premenopausal breast cancer (P-nonlinearity = 0.757). When stratified by age, among people younger than 10 years of age, an increase in somatotype was associated with a statistically significant reduction in breast cancer risk. From somatotype 3 to somatotype 6, the risk of breast cancer was reduced by 9.7-27.7% (P-nonlinearity = 0.175). CONCLUSIONS: With early-life adiposity, our data support an inverse association with breast cancer risk, especially age less than 10 years and in postmenopausal women. Since girls with overweight likely remain overweight or even develop obesity in adulthood. While adults with overweight and obese are at increased risk of breast cancer and other types of cancer and various chronic diseases. Hence, we recommend that children should maintain a normal or slightly fat somatotype throughout all periods of life.

Influence of Internet-Based Health Management on Control of Clinical Parameters in Patients With Hypertension: Four-Year Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, more and more studies have shown that internet-based health management can help patients with hypertension control their blood pressure. However, there is a lack of similar research in China. OBJECTIVE: We designed this study to clarify the impact of long-term internet-based health management on the control of clinical parameters in patients with hypertension. These results are also expected to identify the relevant factors affecting the control of clinical parameters in hypertension more accurately toward developing more targeted health management strategies. METHODS: This was a longitudinal study of internet-based health management in the five provinces of northwest China. The inclusion criteria were aged ≥18 years and no serious cognitive disease or mental disorder. After collecting the physical examination data of 8567 people in the five northwest provinces in 2013, we conducted online health management (including diet, exercise, and behavior) and follow-up. In the physical examination in 2013, 1008 new patients with hypertension were identified, who were divided into a good blood pressure control group and poor blood pressure control group. Physical examination and a questionnaire survey were conducted every 2 years to understand the changes of health management on the subjects' health-related behaviors. We then analyzed the changes of clinical indicators related to hypertension and the influencing factors related to blood pressure control in patients with hypertension. All statistical analyses were performed using R software (version 4.1.2) and a P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 8567 people met the inclusion criteria and underwent health management. Self-comparison showed that after 4 years of health management, the smoking cessation rate and amount of exercise significantly increased (both P<.001). The low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels also increased (P=.005), whereas the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels decreased (P=.007). The newly discovered patients with hypertension in 2013 were further screened. After 4 years of health management, their smoking cessation rate increased significantly (P=.03) and the amount of exercise increased but not significantly (P=.08). In terms of clinical indicators, the diastolic blood pressure considerably decreased (P<.001) and the systolic blood pressure slightly decreased (P=.13). The correlation analysis of blood pressure control in patients with new-onset hypertension showed that gender (female) and changing relevant factors according to health management behaviors (BMI; cereals and potatoes intake; fish, livestock meat, and eggs intake; fruit intake; and physical activity) were the protective factors of blood pressure control. CONCLUSIONS: Internet-based health management has a significant and long-term effect on blood pressure control in patients with hypertension.

[Staple food habits on glycemic response: a controlled feeding trial].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of staple food on the glycemic responses through a controlled feeding trial. METHODS: In November 2020, two groups of volunteers with different staple food habits(the rice group, n=35, and the wheat group, n=35), were recruited from Changzhi Medical College in Shanxi Province. They were subjected to a two-stage feeding trial, in which their staple food habits were maintained in the first stage(staple food fortification period, 4 weeks) and then swapped in the second stage(staple food swap period, 4 weeks), while keeping the rest of the dietary components same. A continuous glucose monitoring system was used to monitor the glycemic response of glucose, steamed buns and steamed rice, equivalent to 50 g of available carbohydrate(CHO). Blood glucose level up to 120 minutes postprandial, incremental area under the curve(iAUC) and glycemic index(GI) were analyzed. RESULTS: During the staple food fortification period, the glycemic response to steamed buns at 15 min(5.43±0.69 vs.5.14±0.50 mmol/L, P=0.047), 30 min(6.63±0.98 vs.6.10±0.70 mmol/L, P=0.012), 45 min(6.81±1.15 vs.6.21±0.67 mmol/L, P=0.011) and 60 min postprandial(6.03±0.96 vs.5.56±0.59 mmol/L, P=0.017) in the rice group were higher than the wheat group, and the trends for blood glucose fluctuation during the 120 minutes after consuming steamed buns were different between the two groups. During the staple food swap period, the 120 min iAUC(83.24±30.15 vs.69.32±26.25 mmol·min/L, P=0.032) and GI(88±24 vs.75±33, P=0.041) of the rice group to steamed buns were higher than the wheat group. Comparing the differences between the two groups in the staple food exchange period and the staple food intensification period, the rice group had an increased glycemic response to steamed buns(P=0.007), while the wheat group had an increased glycemic response to glucose(P<0.001), steamed buns(P<0.001) and steamed rice(P=0.018). The 120 min iAUC of steamed buns in the rice group increased(83.24±30.15 vs.70.12±26.02 mmol·min/L, P=0.029), and the 120 min iAUC of rice in the wheat group(69.75±32.32 vs.54.87±20.43 mmol·min/L, P=0.040) increased. CONCLUSION: Even to the same food, there are significant differences in the glycemic responses of people with different staple food habits, and short-term changes in the intake of staple food will lead to differences in the glycemic response.

[Lipids-lowering effects of equol on low density lipoprotein receptor knockout hamsters].

OBJECTIVE: Used low density lipoprotein receptor knockout(LDLR KO) hamster as the model similar to human dyslipidemia to observe the lipid-lowering effect of equol on heterozygotes. METHODS: With soy-free high cholesterol high fat diet, 12-week-old LDLR KO female heterozygous hamsters were randomly divided into negative control group(no addition), positive control group(add 0.004% ezetimibe), genistein group(add 0.1%), and low, medium and high-dose groups of equol(add 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1% respectively). Body weight, food consumption and blood lipid were continuously monitored for 12 weeks after feeding each group. Finally, liver morphology and lipid metabolism related genes expressions were checked. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in body weight and average weekly food intake among the groups. The blood lipids in negative control group increased over time, and the cholesterol and triglyceride levels of LDLR KO heterozygous hamsters were significantly reduced by ezetimibe in the second week, while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was also significantly decreased. The lipid-lowering effects of genistein and equol were weaker than ezetimibe, and there was significant difference between the two groups after 12 weeks, but the decrease of HDL-c was not as significant as ezetimibe. Compared with genistein, the effect of medium and high dose equol was stronger. At 12 weeks, the liver weight ratio also decreased significantly, and the liver lipid accumulation was inhibited, especially in the high dose of equol. The expression of ApoAI, SREBP-2 and HMGCR were significantly up-regulated by equol and genistein. CONCLUSION: Equol could reduce female LDLR KO hamster blood lipid. It may play a role in lipid lowering by inhibiting cholesterol absorption besides estrogen receptor pathway, but it is weaker than NPC1 L1 inhibitor. At the same time, up-regulation of ApoAI inhibits the decrease of high-density lipoprotein and reduces lipid accumulation in liver.

[Effects of equol on proliferation of colorectal cancer HCT-15 cell].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of racemic equol and equol enantiomers on the proliferation of colorectal cancer HCT-15 cell and the potential mechanism. METHODS: 3-( 4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide( MTT) assay was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of racemic equol and equol enantiomers( 0, 0. 5, 1, 5 and 10 µmol/L) on the proliferation of colorectal cancer HCT-15 cell. Western blot was used to detect the expression of estrogen receptor( ER)and nuclear factor 2 related factor 2( Nrf2). RESULTS: Racemic equol and( R) equol inhibited the proliferation of HCT-15 cell in a dose-dependent manner, whereas( S) equol had no effect on the proliferation of HCT-15 cell. Racemic equol increased the expression of ERß and Nrf2, while( R) equol increased the expression of Nrf2. CONCLUSION: Racemic equol can inhibit the proliferation of HCT-15 cell through estrogenic and antioxidative activity. R equol can inhibit the proliferation of HCT-15 cell through antioxidative activity, while( S) equol has no effect on the proliferation of HCT-15 cell.

The prevalence and risk factor control associated with noncommunicable diseases in China, Japan, and Korea.

BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable disease (NCD) has become the leading cause of mortality and disease burden worldwide. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out to investigate the prevalence of NCDs and risk factor control on dietary behaviors and dietary intake in China, Japan, and Korea. RESULTS: There were significant differences among the three countries on the prevalence of hypertension (24.5% in China, 17.6% in Korea, and 15.2% in Japan), diabetes (8.9% in China, 5.7% in Korea, and 4.8% in Japan), hyperlipidemia (13.1% in China, 9.2% in Korea, and 6.9% in Japan), and angina pectoris (3.6% in China, 1.7% in Korea, and 1.5% in Japan). The prevalence rate of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and angina pectoris was highest in China and lowest in Japan. However, 82.2%, 48.4%, and 64.4% of Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese presented good dietary behavior, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that sex, age, and marital status were predictors of good dietary behavior. In addition, in comparison with subjects without hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia, subjects with hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia significantly improved their dietary behaviors and controlled their intake of salt, sugar, and oil. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of NCDs and trends in major modifiable risk factor control in China, Korea, and Japan remain troubling. Public efforts to introduce healthy lifestyle changes and systematic NCDs prevention programs are necessary to reduce the epidemic of NCDs in these three Asian countries.

Perceptions of food intake and weight status among parents of picky eating infants and toddlers in China: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that children that are picky eaters may have a different and less varied diet than non-picky children, but the literature on picky eating in Chinese children is limited. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of picky eating in 6-35 month-old Chinese children, and to explore how parents' perceptions of picky eating relate to children's intake and body composition. METHODS: 1414 6-35 month-old infants and toddlers from 8 Chinese cities were included in this study. Questionnaires were used to collect information on family demographic factors, child picky eating behaviors, food group rejection, and parents' perception of child weight status. Dietary intake data was collected via 24-h recall. Children's length/height and weight were measured. RESULTS: The reported prevalence of picky eating was higher in 24-35 month-olds (36% of children) compared to 6-11 month-olds (12%). There were no consistent significant differences in dietary intakes of nutrients between picky and non-picky eaters. Picky eating children whose parents indicated that they avoided eggs had lower intake of this food group compared to non-picky eaters, whereas those reported to avoid grains or meat had higher intakes of those food groups. Weight status was underestimated by parents of both picky and non-picky children. CONCLUSIONS: Picky eating seems to occur at similar prevalence rates in China as has been reported in other countries. Parents' perceptions of food refusal do not reflect actual intakes, nor do nutrient intakes of picky eaters show additional gaps compared to non-picky eating children. In healthy children with typical growth patterns, picky eating seems to be a normal phase of development experienced by some children, without substantial consequences on their nutrient or food group intakes.

Facilitators and barriers of adopting healthy lifestyle in rural China: a qualitative analysis through social capital perspectives.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the major public health concerns in China. However, little has been known yet about the background social factors that influence lifestyles as possible NCD risk factors. This qualitative study aimed to explore facilitators and barriers of adopting healthy lifestyles among residents in a rural community of China. Three age-stratified focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in Fangshan district of Beijing in 2013. A FGD guide was designed to elicit the participants' perception and experience regarding their lifestyles. The audio-records were transcribed, and data were qualitatively analyzed through thematic approach. Through social capital framework with bonding, bridging, and linking classifications, we identified the following facilitators and barriers to adopt healthy lifestyles. (1) Facilitators: mutual support from family/friends and motivation to participate in regular exercises (bonding); cooperative relationships with community health workers (bridging); and nationwide high level of healthy lifestyle awareness (linking). (2) Barriers: negative influence from family/friends, insufficient support from family/friends, peer pressure and tolerance towards unhealthy lifestyles (bonding); insufficient support from health professionals (bridging); and inequity in allocation of public resources (linking). This study revealed that bonding, bridging and linking social capital would work as facilitators and barriers to adopt healthy lifestyles among rural residents in China.

Pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of gestational weight gain (GWG) or pre-pregnancy BMI with postpartum weight retention (PPWR). DESIGN: Meta-analysis. SETTING: PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, Current Contents Connects and Biosis Previews were used to search articles. SUBJECTS: Publications that described the influence of pre-pregnancy BMI or GWG on PPWR. RESULTS: Seventeen studies that satisfied the eligibility criteria were included in the analyses. Women with inadequate and excessive GWG had significantly lower mean PPWR of -2·14 kg (95 % CI -2·43, -1·85 kg) and higher PPWR of 3·21 kg (95 % CI 2·79, 3·62 kg), respectively, than women with adequate GWG. When postpartum time spans were stratified into 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-36 months and ≥15 years, the association between inadequate GWG and PPWR faded over time and became insignificant (-1·42 kg; 95 % CI -3·08, 0·24 kg) after ≥15 years. However, PPWR in women with excess GWG exhibited a U-shaped trend; that is, a decline during the early postpartum time span (year 1) and then an increase in the following period. Meta-analysis of qualitative studies showed a significant relationship between excessive GWG and higher PPWR risk (OR=2·08; 95 % CI 1·60, 2·70). Moreover, meta-analysis of pre-pregnancy BMI on PPWR indicated that mean PPWR decreased with increasing BMI group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that GWG, rather than pre-pregnancy BMI, determines the shorter- or longer-term PPWR.

Prevalence of picky eating behaviour in Chinese school-age children and associations with anthropometric parameters and intelligence quotient. A cross-sectional study.

Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of eating behaviour regarding dietary variety and nutrient intake of children. However, the association between picky eating and growth of children is still a topic of debate. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of picky eating and to identify possible associations with the growth of school-age children in China. In this survey, 793 healthy children aged 7-12 years were recruited from nine cities and rural areas in China using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data collected included socio-demographic information and parents' perceptions of picky eating using a structured questionnaire, nutrient intake using 24-hour dietary recall, weight and height using body measurements, and intelligence using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Blood samples were collected and analysed for minerals. The prevalence of picky eating reported by parents was 59.3% in children. Compared with non-picky eaters, picky eaters had a lower dietary intake of energy, protein, carbohydrates, most vitamins and minerals, and lower levels of magnesium, iron, and copper in the blood (p < 0.05), and also had a 0.184 z-score lower in height for age (95% CI: -0.332, 0.036; p = 0.015), a 0.385 z-score lower in weight for age (95% CI: -0.533, -0.237; p < 0.001), a 0.383 z-score lower in BMI for age (95% CI: -0.563, -0.203; p < 0.001), and scored 2.726 points higher on the intelligence test (95% CI: 0.809, 4.643; p = 0.006) when adjusted for children's birth weight and food allergy, mothers' education, and family income. Picky eating behaviour towards meat, eggs and vegetables showed negative associations with growth. Picky eating behaviour is prevalent in school-age children in China and may have a negative effect on growth.

[Analysis for the blood mineral content of children aged 3 to 12 years in 7 cities and 2 towns in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the status of blood mineral content of children aged 3 to 12 years in Chinese cities and countryside and explore the possible related influencing factors. METHODS: The multistage stratified cluster random sampling was used to select one kindergarten and one primary school in seven cities (Beijing and Guangzhou and so on) and two towns randomly. Firstly, we selected one bottom class, middle class, top class in one kindergarten and one second grade and fifth grade in one primary school randomly. Then all of the healthful students of these classes were investigated and the blood mineral content of calcium, magnesium, lead, iron, copper, and zinc were detected. RESULTS: In the research, 1 842 students were investigated. The means of calcium, magnesium, lead, iron, copper, and zinc were in the standard range. The blood lead content of the boys was higher than that of the girls. The blood mineral content of different ages had statistical significance. The blood calcium and blood copper contents of the preschool children were higher than those of the school children. However, the school children had significantly higher blood lead, iron, and zinc contents in comparison with those of the preschool children. The incidences of iron deficiency and zinc deficiency were 35.5% and 39.6%, respectively. The incidence of iron deficiency and zinc deficiency of different ages had statistical significance, and with the age increasing, the incidence showed a decreasing trend. The incidences of iron deficiency and zinc deficiency of children whose age was more than or equal to 3 years and less than 4 years were up to 47.1% and 64.6%, respectively. The incidence of iron deficiency of the children in the countryside area was significantly higher than those in the first-tier cities. However, the incidence of zinc deficiency of the children in the countryside area was significantly lower than those in the first-tier cities and second-tier cities. CONCLUSION: The status of iron deficiency and zinc deficiency of children aged 3 to 12 years in Chinese cities and countryside were still serious. We should pay more attention to the nutrition interventional research on iron and zinc.

Isoflavone intake inhibits the development of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene(DMBA)-induced mammary tumors in normal and ovariectomized rats.

To determine the associations between isoflavone (49.72% genistin, 5.32% daidzin, 34.54% glycitin) and breast cancer risk, 150 rats were given 5 mg 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and half of them were ovariectomized. Then normal rats and ovariectomized rats were divided into 5 groups: control group, isoflavone high (HI), middle (MI), or low (LI) dose group consuming 100, 500, or 1000 mg isoflavones/kg diet, estrogen group (2.5 mg stilboestrol/kg diet). After 24 weeks, tumor incidences were 73% in control group, 7% in HI, 7% in MI, 27% in LI, and 80% in estrogen group for normal rats; 60% in control group, 13% in HI, 7% in MI, 13% in LI, and 73% in estrogen group for ovariectomized rats. Isoflavone treatment decreased tumor incidence and mean tumor number per rat and increased mean latent period compared with those in control group and estrogen group group significantly (p<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of estrogen receptor ß were significantly higher in isoflavone treatment groups than those in control group group. Moreover, isoflavone treatment significantly decreased 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine content and increased superoxide dismutase level in normal rats and decreased malondialdehyde concentrations in ovariectomized rats compared with control group. In conclusions, isoflavone intake significantly inhibited the development of premenopausal and postmenopausal mammary tumors.

[Analysis on the iron deficiency and the rate of anemia of 3-11 year old children in 7 cities and 2 countryside in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the status of iron deficiency and the rate of anemia of 3 - 11 year-old children in Chinese cities and countryside and explore the possible related influencing factors. METHODS: The multistage stratified cluster random sampling was used to select one kindergarten and one primary school in seven cities (Beijing, Shenyang, Suzhou, Zhengzhou, Chengdu, Lenzhou and Guangzhou) and two countryside randomly in Hebei Province one bottom class, middle class, top class in one kindergarten and one second grade and fifth grade in one primary school were selected randomly. All of the healthful students of these classes were investigated and the element iron and the parameters of red blood cell were detected. RESULTS: 1863 students in 7 cities and 2 countryside were investigated in the research. The incidence of iron deficiency of different ages had statistical significance and with the age increasing, the incidence showed a decreasing trend. The incidences of iron deficiency were 47.1% and 38.2% in 3 -4 year-old children and 4 - 5 year-old children, respectively. The incidence of anemia of different ages had statistical significance. The incidences of anemia of 3 - 4 year-old children and 4 -5 year-old children were significantly higher than those of 5 - 6 year-old children. The incidences of anemia were 4.0% and 7.1% in 3 - 4 year-old children and 4 -5 year-old children, respectively. No statistical significance for different sex of the same age was found for iron deficiency and anemia incidence. The incidence (12%) of anemia of the children in countryside area was significantly higher than those in first-tier cities and second-tier cities. CONCLUSION: The status of iron deficiency and the rate of anemia of 3 - 11 year-old children in Chinese cities and countryside were improved recently, but still serious. It should be paid more attention to the children with lower serum iron content and the children in rural areas.

The Role of Nutrition and Body Composition on Metabolism.

Metabolism encompasses the entire array of chemical reactions continuously occurring within the body that sustain life and maintain normal physiological functions [...].

The association between rapid growth and lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background & aims: Metabolic disease prevalence has increased in many regions, and is closely associated with dyslipidemia. Rapid growth refers to a significant increase in growth velocity above the normal range, particularly in infants and children, and is highly prevalent in congenital deficiency infants. But the association between dyslipidemia and rapid growth remains controversial. We performed this meta-analysis to investigate the lipid profile in subjects with and without postnatal rapid growth, and to determine what are the confounding factors. Methods: Medline, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Chinese citation database and WANFANG database were searched (last search in May 2021). Publication bias was examined by constructing funnel plots, Egger's linear regression test and Begg's rank correlation test. Results: The fixed effects model would be adopted if I2 is less than 25%, otherwise random effects model would be used. There were 11 articles involved with a total of 1148 participants (539 boys and 609 girls, mean age=7.4 years). Pooled analysis found that rapid growth was negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (weighted mean difference=-0.068, 95%CI [-0.117, -0.020]), but not associated with triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Stratified analysis suggested that increased TG were found in rapid growth subjects from developing countries. Higher TC was observed for rapid growth participants of follow-up age ≤8 years old, rapid growth duration ≤2 years, preterm, low birth weight, and from developing countries. But decreased TC was observed in small for gestational age (SGA) rapid growth subjects. Decreased LDL-C had been documented in rapid growth subjects of follow-up age >8 years old, from developed countries, and SGA. At last, rapid growth groups had lower HDL-C in infants of rapid growth duration >2 years and from developed countries. Conclusion: Rapid growth is associated with lipid profiles, particularly during early childhood, and this relationship is influenced by factors such as the duration of growth, the level of national development, and birth weight. These findings are significant for the development of strategies to prevent metabolic diseases.This review was registered in PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/) with the registration number CRD42020154240.

Comparative evaluation of enriched formula milk powder with OPO and MFGM vs. breastfeeding and regular formula milk powder in full-term infants: a comprehensive study on gut microbiota, neurodevelopment, and growth.

This study investigated the non-inferiority of feeding term healthy infants with enriched formula milk powder containing 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (OPO) and milk fat globular membrane (MFGM), compared to breast milk, in terms of the formation of gut microbiota, neurodevelopment and growth. Infants were divided into three groups: breast milk group (BMG, N = 50), fortified formula group (FFG, N = 17), and regular formula group (RFG, N = 12), based on the feeding pattern. Growth and development information was collected from the infants at one month, four months, and six months after the intervention. Fecal samples were collected from infants and analyzed for gut microbiota using 16S ribosomal DNA identification. The study found that at the three time points, the predominant bacterial phyla in FFG and BMG were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, which differed from RFG. The abundance of Bifidobacterium in the RFG was lower than the FFG (one month, p = 0.019) and BMG (four months, p = 0.007). The abundance of Methanoprebacteria and so on (genus level) are positively correlated with bone mineral density (BMD) of term infants, and have the potential to be biomarkers for predicting BMD. The abundance of beta-galactosidase, a protein that regulates lactose metabolism and sphingoid metabolism, was higher in FFG (six months, p = 0.0033) and BMG (one month, p = 0.0089; four months, p = 0.0005; six months, p = 0.0005) than in the RFG group, which may be related to the superior bone mineral density and neurodevelopment of infants in the FFG and BMG groups than in the RFG group. Our findings suggest that formula milk powder supplemented with OPO and MFGM is a viable alternative to breastfeeding, providing a practical alternative for infants who cannot be breastfed for various reasons.

Serum lipid-improving effect of soyabean ß-conglycinin in hyperlipidaemic menopausal women.

To evaluate the effect of treatment with ß-conglycinin, a major soyabean protein, on blood lipids in menopausal women, we recruited 100 hyperlipidaemic women aged 40-60 years old. Participants were randomly allocated to three groups: placebo group (n 34, four casein tablets/d); low dose group (n 33, four tablets containing 2·3 g ß-conglycinin/d); high-dose group (n 33, eight tablets containing 4·6 g ß-conglycinin/d). The mean serum TAG concentration was significantly reduced after 6 and 12 weeks of ß-conglycinin intervention by 0·44 (sd 0·20) and 0·78 (sd 1·03) mmol/l in the low-dose group, and by 0·46 (sd 0·17) and 1·25 (sd 1·06) mmol/l in the high-dose group, respectively. One-way ANOVA revealed that serum TAG concentrations in the low-dose and high-dose groups were significantly lowered compared with the placebo group at weeks 6 and 12 (P< 0·05). The low dose and high dose consumptions of ß-conglycinin significantly decreased the LDL-cholesterol concentration by 0·46 (sd 0·72) and 0·52 (sd 0·97) mmol/l at week 12, respectively (P< 0·05). Compared with the changes from baseline in the placebo group, apoB and NEFA were significantly lowered in both the low-dose and high-dose ß-conglycinin groups (P< 0·05). In conclusion, the results suggest that ß-conglycinin intake significantly decreases serum TAG and LDL-cholesterol levels.

Coffee consumption and risk of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVE: Separate meta-analyses based on case-control and cohort studies have reported different results on the relationship between coffee consumption and colorectal cancer risk. To clarify the effect of coffee intake on colorectal cancer risk, we performed a meta-analysis based on both case-control and cohort studies. DESIGN: Review study. SETTING: We identified case-control and cohort studies related to coffee consumption and colorectal cancer risk listed on MEDLINE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, Science Citation Index and PubMed (until May 2011). SUBJECTS: Research literature on the relationship between coffee consumption and colorectal cancer risk. RESULTS: Twenty-five case-control (15 522 cases) and sixteen cohort studies (10 443 cases) were included in the meta-analysis. Comparing the highest v. the lowest/non category of coffee consumption, the combined results from case-control studies showed a significant relationship with colorectal cancer (OR = 0·85, 95 % CI 0·75, 0·97) and colon cancer (OR = 0·79, 95 % CI 0·67, 0·95), but not rectal cancer (OR = 0·95, 95 % CI 0·79, 1·15). For cohort studies, there was a slight suggestion of an inverse association with colorectal cancer (relative ratio = 0·94; 95 % CI 0·88, 1·01) and colon cancer (OR = 0·93, 95 % CI 0·86, 1·01), rather than rectal cancer (OR = 0·98, 95 % CI 0·88, 1·09). In subgroup analyses using case-control studies, significant inverse associations were found in females for colorectal cancer and in Europe for colorectal and colon cancer, while the subgroup analyses of cohort studies found that coffee drinks substantially decreased risk of colon cancer only in Asian women. CONCLUSIONS: Results from case-control studies suggest coffee consumption can significantly decrease the risks of colorectal cancer and colon cancer, especially in Europe and for females.

Current situation of clinical trials in Beijing and Shanghai, China.

OBJECTIVE: Global clinical trials are important because they facilitate rapid delivery of new and effective drugs to patients Assessment of the current situation of clinical trials conducted in Asia is critical for improving performance of global clinical trials. However, review reports from China or other Asian countries are not yet available. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the current quality of clinical trials conducted in Shanghai, as well as Beijing. METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed to medical doctors attending institutes in Beijing and Shanghai in which clinical trials have been conducted. These questionnaires were delivered and collected from both areas by the Peking University research team of Beijing and the Fudan University research team of Shanghai respectively. Analysis and evaluation were conducted by research teams from both China and Japan. RESULTS: Subjects were randomly selected by the respective research team. A total of 145 questionnaires in Beijing and 162 in Shanghai were administered: all 307 questionnaires were completed. In total, 57.2% and 74.5% of respondents from Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, reported participation in audits and inspections on an annual basis conducted by their own institute. A total of 49.2% and 56.0% of respondents from Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, reported that they received reports after the audits and inspections by an institute. 23.5% and 37.7% of respondents from Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, reported participation in audits conducted annually by external authorities. A total of 18.9% and 29.5% of respondents from Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, reported that they received reports after the audits and inspections by an external authority. CONCLUSIONS: Our research suggests that clinical trials in Shanghai, as well as in Beijing, are conducted vigorously and appropriately monitored by audits and inspections conducted by concerned institutes and/or by an external authority.

Effectiveness of Internet-based health management in patients with dyslipidemia: A four-year longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease and stroke, and it has emerged as a major public health issue worldwide. Internet-based health management and intervention may offer a new approach to health management. This study was conducted to provide health guidance and education to people with dyslipidemia using an Internet health management platform and to assess the effectiveness of Internet health management and intervention in improving health-related behaviors and controlling blood lipids. METHODS: Starting in 2013 (Baseline, N = 56,542), a Western longitudinal study in China was performed, and all interventional objects were provided with Internet health management. Health checkups were conducted annually, and questionnaires were administered every two years to analyze changes in health behaviors two years (2015) and four years (2017) following the intervention. In addition, factors affecting behavioral changes and lipid control were analyzed in the dyslipidemic population to understand the effectiveness and influencing factors of Internet health management on lipid control. RESULTS: By guiding interventional objects through the Internet health management platform, the awareness rate of dyslipidemia increased from 19.1% in 2013 to 34.4% in 2017; and the control rate of dyslipidemia increased from 9.1% at baseline to 18.5%. Certain health-related behaviors that are beneficial to health (tobacco use, physical activity, and partial dietary) were gradually improved over the intervention time. For patients with dyslipidemia, triglyceride decreased from 2.90 mmol/L (2013) to 2.77 mmol/L (2017) as the years went by. Analysis of factors affecting lipid control showed that non-compliance with health instructions affected lipid control; in addition to these, being female (0.722, 95% CI: 0.546,0.954) was found to be a protective factor for effective lipid control. CONCLUSIONS: The basic Internet-based health management platform in this study appears to be moderately successful and is a valuable and feasible application. Tobacco, dietary, and physical activity interventions provided significant protection against dyslipidemia in patients.